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Pony Canyon has released a memorial CD for the arcade rhythm game beatmania IIDX’s 20th anniversary. The CD will be aptly titled the beatmania IIDX 20th Anniversary Tribute BEST. [Thanks, 4Gamer!]
The beatmania IIDX CD includes three discs with 66 songs spread across the collection. The songs comes from all of the franchise’s various titles. Additionally, the 20th anniversary collection will cost ¥3,800 (roughly $36), excluding tax.
beatmania IIDX has been a staple in arcades all across Japan since the rhythm game launched on February 26, 1999. Interestingly, beatmania‘s gameplay utilizes a DJ simulation set-up. Coordination is key while playing, as you have to hit the correct keyboard buttons, spin the turntable, and sometimes combine both actions at once in time with the colors shown on screen.
Over the past twenty years, the beatmania series has had 27 arcade releases. In fact, its most recent was beatmania IIXD 27 Heroic Verse, which released in 2019 in Japan, South Korea, and America. Most of the installments have released on an almost annual basis, bringing new songs to fans of the game. Additionally, the series has had multiple console entries on the PlayStation 2. (In March 2020, the PlayStation 2 celebrated its 20th anniversary too.)
Notably, beatmania IIXD Ultimate Mobile, the 27th entry, was the franchise’s first smartphone entry. It is a free-to-play game with paid subscription options and 100 tracks that can be played freely on Normal difficulty.
In celebration of beatmania’s milestone, official previews of all 66 songs on the CD have been officially provided on Youtube. You can get a taste of what to expect if you pick up a copy of the album. Also, if you’re interested in what beatmania’s music sounds like, these videos are a good sampler of the series’ songs.
Here’s a look at the first 25 songs:
Next, have a taste of Disc 2’s beats:
Finally, here’s a look at Disc 3’s songs:
Additionally, Amazon, Toranoana, and Konami have various limited time bonuses for early buyers. Amazon shoppers can receive a decorative slipcover for the CD. Toronoana buyers can get an A4 sized clear file with the 20th anniversary design on the front. Finally, Konami Style visitors can get a B2 sized poster featuring the sleek celebratory design.
You can take a look at beatmania IIDX 20th anniversary album’s tracklist on the official website.
